Ronaldo: Al Nassr Clarify Contract Amid Rumours of Saudi Arabia 2030 World Cup Bid Alongside Messi

• Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr will not involve helping in a 2030 World Cup bid
• Saudi Arabia are expected to pull out the stops to host a second Middle Eastern tournament
• Ronaldo could face a dilemma even if Saudi Arabia's government officially approached him

Al-Nassr have come out to clarify that their contract with Cristiano Ronaldo does not involve any help with Saudi Arabia's 2030 World Cup bid.

Ronaldo signed a lucrative deal with the Riyadh-based side after a tumultuous end to his Manchester United career. A lot of rumours have been circulating about his huge contract.

It was first alleged that there was a clause that would allow the Portuguese star to return to the Premier League, if Newcastle qualified for the Champions League.

This likely stemmed from the club being sponsored by the Saudi Arabian government. However, Newcastle boss, Eddie Howe has since refuted these claims, the Mirror reported.

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer: Is CR7 leaving Manchester United and which clubs are likely to acquire him?

Football

2030 World Cup bid rumours

Al-Nassr have also rejected reports that Ronaldo will help the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to in their bid to host the 2030 World Cup. In a statement on Twitter, the club reiterated that their latest signing is fully focused on football and not any other future plans.

"Al Nassr FC would like to clarify that contrary to news reports, Cristiano Ronaldo's contract with Al Nassr does not entail commitments to any World Cup bids. His main focus is on Al Nassr and to work with his teammates to help the club achieve success."

Saudi Arabia are expected to formally bid to host the 2030 edition after Qatar successfully hosted the first World Cup in the Middle East in 2022.

Ronaldo's brand image

Ronaldo is a global brand, who could be vital in convincing FIFA's executive committee to stage the world's second-largest showpiece in any country - after the Olympic Games.

Ghana's World Cup squad in 2022: Who is in, out, and why?

Football

However, it has also been reported that even if such a deal would have been made, the veteran's hands would be tied.

His native Portugal are also submitting a joint bid, alongside Spain and Ukraine, to host the same event Saudi Arabia is angling for, according to ESPN.

Messi signed 'deal with devil'

The same conundrum will face Ronaldo's arch-rival Lionel Messi. Sports Brief reported previously the Argentine could soon find himself between the proverbial rock and a hard place.

The winner of the 2030 World Cup bid will be announced in 2024, with Argentina and Uruguay also preparing a joint proposal to host the Mundial.

However, Messi recently signed a deal with Saudi Arabia which saw him become a tourism ambassador for the Middle Eastern country - which could complicate matters for him.